• By Lynne Mithcell and DHHS
• Posted Tuesday, February 21, 2012

N.C. Reports First Child Death from Flu

A six-year old died on February 4th of complications from an influenza infection. (To protect the family’s privacy, the youth’s hometown, county and sex are not being released.) The child was at risk for complications from the flu because of underlying medical conditions.

Each year, influenza kills an estimated 25,000 people in the US and causes more than 220,000 hospitalizations. Most influenza infections can be prevented by the simple act of getting the flu vaccine. Flu vaccine is readily available and affordable and is the single most effective way to protect yourself and your family.

Flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over 6 months old. It is particularly important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, very young children and the elderly. However, almost half of the children who died from flu last season had no known high risk conditions, so public health officials encourage flu vaccine even for those in good health. This year’s vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, including H1N1.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health wants to remind residents that it is not too late to get a flu shot.

FREE FLU SHOTS
Forsyth County Department of Public Health
799 North Highland Avenue, Winston-Salem

FLU CLINIC HOURS (Clinic 3)
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 8:30 am - 3:45 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am - 6:45 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 11:45 am

No appointment necessary.